For something so often dismissed as old-fashioned, the luxury tea set has a surprisingly strong track record.
At auction, these pieces can command extraordinary prices. A Chinese silver-gilt tea service once leapt from a €50,000 (approx. $58,718) estimate to more than €200,000 (approx. $230,870) when auctioned by Sotheby’s Amsterdam in 2011. One year later, a Half-Figure Service Meissen porcelain tea set sold in London for £541,250 (approx. $721,240) at Bonhams, cementing its place as one of the most valuable tea sets ever to come to market. Not bad for something you may consider to be something only worthy of your grandmother’s cabinet.
Investment aside, a tea set is rarely just a purchase. It’s something inherited, gifted, or chosen with the hope that it might outlast you. The slight wear on a handle, the soft fading of a pattern, even the one cup that never quite matched – all markers of an heirloom that has been loved as much as it has been preserved. With that in mind, we’ve curated a selection of luxury tea sets to buy now. Chosen pieces designed to be used, enjoyed, and passed on to live another lifetime.
High-end tea sets to shop
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Fortnum's cloverleaf tea set, Fortnum & Mason
Made from bone china, inspired by Fortnum’s Royal Blend, and finished by hand with Eau de Nil with 22k gold detailing, this set leans into tradition without feeling overly formal. meaning this isn’t a set you’d have to reserve for special occasions,
Price
$1,687.73
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Tea set for two with tray, Ginori
For something more decorative, Ginori 1735 brings an unmistakably Italian sensibility. This whimsical blue set pairs fine porcelain with gold-plated detailing, resulting in a finish that feels suitably opulent.
Price
$915
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Melon tea set, Asprey
Asprey’s Melon set is one of those designs that feels instantly recognizable. Its rounded, fluted form nods to traditional Georgian tea services while still feeling sculptural and sharp. Substantial without being heavy, it’s a statement in craftsmanship, and one that’s designed to last for decades, not seasons.
Price
$6,250
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Phoenix 15-piece tea set, Wedgwood
Drawing on one of Wedgwood’s most storied designs, the Phoenix set feels like a modern heirloom in the truest sense. The motif – lifted from the house’s Florentine archive, first introduced in 1931 – sees a mythical bird sweep across fine bone china in soft jasper blue, finished with 22-carat gold detailing.
Price
$7,050
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H deco tea set, Hermès
Hermès approaches tea service with a different lens. The H Deco collection draws on the Art Deco ironwork of its Paris flagship, translating architectural detail into fine porcelain through intricate, hand-applied decoration. The result is graphic and modern yet anchored in the brand’s heritage.
Price
$1,160
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Mayfair silver-plated tea set, Asprey
For a different take on tradition, Asprey’s Mayfair set strips things back. Rendered in silver plate with clean, architectural lines, it feels closer to modern design than antique porcelain – but no less enduring. Asprey’s reputation for craftsmanship anchors it firmly in the world of heirlooms, while the minimalist silhouette gives it a versatility that more ornate sets can lack.
Price
$7,800
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Hummingbird 3-piece tea set, Wedgwood
Lighter in mood but no less considered, the Hummingbird set leans into Wedgwood’s more romantic side. Fine bone china is decorated with trailing florals and jewel-toned birds. It’s an easier entry point into collecting – smaller, more robust, and well-suited to everyday use – but still carries the craftsmanship and heritage that give Wedgwood its staying power.
Price
$2,375
How we chose
Each piece featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, who are experts in the lifestyle space. We've selected items based on their quality, design, and aesthetic.
